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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-27

🧾 My energy bill is wrong or far too high in Germany. What now?

The short answer

Most bill problems come from estimated meter readings, a wrong meter number or a changed advance payment. You have the right to a correct bill based on your real use.

📜 The rules in Germany

What to do first

First send a written complaint to the company, marked 'Verbraucherbeschwerde nach § 111a EnWG'. It must answer within 4 weeks. If it does not reply or refuses, you can apply for free mediation.

Schlichtungsstelle Energie e. V. · free 📞 030 / 27 57 240-0 🔗 schlichtungsstelle-energie.de
Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

Protection against cut-off

Cut-off only if you owe at least twice the monthly instalment and at least €100. It must be threatened in writing at least 4 weeks ahead and announced again 8 working days before. Not allowed if it endangers life or health. Rules revised December 2025.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read your meter nowTake a dated photo of the meter and compare it with the reading on the bill.
  2. Check the detailsMeter number, address, period, price per unit and advance payments. One wrong digit can explain a huge bill.
  3. Complain in writingSend the supplier your reading and photo and ask for a corrected bill. If you can, pay the part you do not dispute.
  4. EscalateIf the supplier does not fix it in time, go to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Energie e. V.Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 030 / 27 57 240-0🔗 www.schlichtungsstelle-energie.de
Bundesnetzagentur (Verbraucherservice Energie)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Energie/start.html
VerbraucherzentralenIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de

❓ Questions

Should I pay a bill I dispute?

If you can, pay the part you agree with and dispute the rest in writing. That protects you best.

Can the supplier estimate my use?

Yes, if no reading was available. You can always send a real reading and ask for a correction.

How far back can they bill me?

The limits differ per country. Ask the energy regulator if you get a large back-bill.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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